Virtual therapy can seem new and scary to families and even therapists. Below, we are sharing 4 tips specifically for families to guide their success with telehealth!
Make a Realistic Schedule
It is important to schedule sessions at a time that is consistent and comfortable for you and your family. For example, first thing in the morning my not be an ideal time for your child if they often struggle with sleep. If you have other children at home who need to be on the computer at a certain time for school, try to schedule around that as well as you can. Your child will begin to learn what time their session is each day, and it will help your therapist prepare daily tasks to build upon the day before! If sessions are inconsistent, it can be challenging for your child and their therapist to prepare.
If daily sessions are not feasible for you or your child, share that with your child’s therapist in the beginning. It is better to develop a realistic schedule than burn yourself out by overcommitting and miss sessions! If you are able to maintain open communication with your child's team about what is working or not working with your schedule, you will be able to make the most of telehealth together.
Make a Daily Schedule
A daily schedule is something I always recommend for families even during a typical school year! A visual daily schedule can be tailored to your child’s exact day, which can help them feel prepared for each activity. During COVID-19, children often feel the same uncertainties we do as adults, even if they do not fully understand the health concerns that have caused their daily routine to change. A consistent schedule for home activities can reduce meltdowns when the iPad (or other preferred activity) is not available. If you are able to schedule in their therapy sessions and iPad breaks throughout the day, your child will begin to learn when preferred activities are available, which will limit power struggles at other times of the day!
Create a Designated Space
It is very important to have a space where your child can complete their school work or therapy. For example, a table and chair in a specific part of the room can signal that it is time for therapy or school. This should be an inviting, comfortable space, and you should not force your child to be seated. You can slowly introduce the space by using other tabletop activities like a craft or dough, which will help them associate it with fun activities!
If your child is struggling to sit for a session or school work, talk about this with your child’s therapist/teacher. It is very normal for a child to be distracted when they are in their home with other siblings, pets, TVs, etc! Children on the spectrum may especially struggle to attend to a zoom session at home. Therapists understand this! They may be able to help you structure the environment to help your child be as successful as possible.
Share New Concerns
Talk with your child’s therapist about any new concerns that are arising at home. If you have noticed that your child is now biting a sibling any time they take a toy from them, discuss that with your child’s team! If you have noticed your child's diet becoming more limited, ask their therapist for tips to encourage them to eat.
While you are in the home, you are stepping beyond your role as a parent to also act as their therapist and teacher! Your child's Therapists can help guide you through new behaviors by providing coaching in real time via video meetings. Whether you observe your child regressing or demonstrating new behaviors at home during COVID-19, remember that this is normal! However your child is responding to being at home is okay, and therapists can help you work through behaviors and regression.
Remember, there is no rule book about how to cope in a global pandemic, and you and your child are doing a great job! If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your child's therapist who may be able to direct you to a support group or crisis hotline.
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